Rwandan Entrepreneurs Receive 175 Million Frw to Expand Innovative Projects

Kigali, Rwanda - In a move to support innovation and entrepreneurship, 35 Rwandan projects were awarded a total of 175 million Frw under the Ongera Igishoro program, organized by the Ministry of Public Works and Labor (MIFOTRA) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners. The awards ceremony took place on November 18, 2025, in Kigali.

The selected projects, which include ventures such as producing beef jerky and flour from potatoes and cassava, were implemented by Rwandans who had received training abroad. Each of the 35 winners received 5 million Frw to expand their activities and increase operational capital.

Before the awards, a short-term business training course was conducted for 100 participants, of whom the 35 most promising projects were chosen. In 2024, the program trained 60 participants and awarded 33 projects, which have since created jobs for over 100 people.

The awards primarily focused on projects aimed at adding value to agricultural products (80%), as well as initiatives leveraging technology, tourism, and hospitality.

Mugwaneza Fina, who received training in food processing in Russia, will use her award to produce a flour combining cassava and potatoes, designed to replicate wheat flour but without gluten. She explained, “The cassava flour available in our market cannot be made into flour. Adding potatoes creates a good flour that works like normal. This will benefit people with health restrictions and can be used to make bread, mandazi, and other products.”

Ingabire Rwibutso Denys Clément, trained in Israel, plans to produce cow salt locally, reducing reliance on imported salt. “Imported packages cost 6,500 Rwf for five kilos, which many farmers cannot afford. My project will produce smaller one-kilo packages for around 1,000 Rwf. Ingredients are already available locally, including maize residues, bone meal, regular salt, cow dung, and sugarcane waste,” he said. The plan is to produce at least 3,000 packets per month.

Kabiligi Clément, Permanent Secretary of MIFOTRA, emphasized that supporting such initiatives aligns with Rwanda’s vision of economic and social development, leveraging the skills Rwandans acquire abroad. “These projects improve livelihoods and contribute to job creation, especially for youth,” he said.

Erika De Bona Fofana, Deputy Director of IOM in Rwanda, praised the recipients, saying, “These youth are not waiting for opportunities-they are creating them and leading the way in employment generation.”

The Ongera Igishoro program continues to provide both financial and technical support to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among Rwandans who have gained knowledge and skills abroad.